About Devon

Devon is a county of contrasts, from the sandy surf beaches of North Devon, to the crystal clear waters and pretty coves of South Devon,
with rugged Dartmoor sandwiched in between. Whether you’re finding your sea legs in the sailing mecca of Salcombe, exploring the South West Coast Path with your dog in tow,
or simply enjoying a Devon cream tea, a holiday in Devon is hard to beat.

About Cornwall

With the longest stretch of continuous coastline in the country and over 300 beautiful beaches to choose from,
it’s no surprise that Cornwall is such a popular holiday destination. Here, you can explore white-washed fishing villages,
catch a wave on one of the UK’s best surfing beaches, discover the myths and legends of Bodmin Moor,
visit one of the many art galleries and indulge in Cornwall’s flourishing foodie scene.

About Dorset

Dorset is famous for its rolling countryside, pretty, thatched villages and 95 miles of breath-taking World Heritage Jurassic Coast.
Where else can you follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs and search for fossils on the beach, walk along the South West Coast Path to a cosy country pub,
kayak through iconic Durdle Door or live the life of luxury on the exclusive golden peninsula of Sandbanks?

Popular Places

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About the New Forest

Home to one of the largest unspoilt areas of forest and heathland in the country, free-roaming wildlife and ancient landscapes,
the New Forest is an idyllic place for a holiday, only 90 minutes from London.
Stay in historic villages and explore the great outdoors with walks and cycle rides through ancient woodland,
or relax in the seaside towns and south coast beaches of the Solent.

About Somerset

A holiday in Somerset never fails to leave a lasting impression. From the long sandy beaches of Minehead and Weston-Super-Mare,
to the rugged wilderness of Exmoor, Somerset is filled with beautiful and diverse landscapes. Add to that the Roman city of Bath,
Glastonbury Festival and plenty of Somerset cider, there’s something to suit just about anyone.

Brook Cottage

Brook Cottage

bantham

From £533

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3 bedrooms

Up to 6 guests

WiFi

Dogs

Key Features

Property code: WBBROO

Changeover day: Friday

Access statement available

Near beach

Central heating

Parking (see description for details)

Dishwasher

Garden or outside space

Nearby pub or restaurant

Real fire

Nearby shop

Short breaks available

Village

Washing machine

WiFi

Description

This extremely attractive cottage nestles in the popular village of West Buckland in South Devon, close to the sea and is perched on the side of a hill with fabulous country views and a lovely garden that runs down to a stream. Picturesque West Buckland is full of pretty thatched cottages and is a short walk from Bantham. The cottage has a sunny lounge with real fire, a breakfast room overlooking the garden, a master bedroom with a wide balcony that takes advantage of the views and a superb patio area with seating, a barbecue and fire pit - perfect for al fresco dining. A path winds down from the cottage, passing a small raised pond to two large lawn areas so the whole house is geared to providing relaxing, outdoor, summer living. A truly special destination.

Previous guests' comments:

"We have had a wonderful and comfortable stay...We will highly recommend this lovely cottage...and we will return!!" March 2013.

"What a wonderful surprise. The house is beautiful and so well equipped. We love the area and this is an added gem. Dining al fresco is a must and a glass of wine by the stream, heaven! Will be back." September 2012.

"Fantastic, comfortable house and most beautiful garden and views! Love the area." August 2012.

Door from lounge to covered seating area overlooking the garden. Terrace runs along the width of the cottage with steps leading down to a patio area furnished with comfortable seating, table and chairs and a barbecue. Path winds down past an ornamental pond to a sloping lawn. Further fenced area of level lawn bordered by a stream (unfenced).

We had a fabulous 2 weeks. The cottage was delightful, full of character and in a great position to access the beaches ,places to eat and breathtaking walks . The gift bag of treats, shampoo and travel water bowl waiting on the doorstep one day for my dog was a really lovely touch and much enjoyed by my ever hungry dog ! The hot weather was a real bonus and added to the perfect holiday .

June 2018

After a mix up over my booking with the house carer who had not been expecting us, and hence the cottage was not fully cleaned, things settled down and a very enjoyable holiday was had. I should add that because of the mix up, the owners did reimburse me for a day's stay.

November 2017

We enjoyed the location and had reasonable weather so we enjoyed it on the whole

July 2017

I really enjoyed my stay.
Minus points were : quite a lot of dog hair around, only 2 slots of 4 slot toaster worked, big over grown bramble covering hose area where we washed wet suits and steps down to garden house over grown. Garden house wasn't really usable nor was it's folding chairs.
Otherwise everything was really good. The house is much nicer than the photos!!!!

So pleased you enjoyed your stay and very sorry about the other issues. We'll pass them onto the owner and cleaning team and endeavor to get them resolved.

- The Toad Hall Team

June 2017

Brook Cottage is very comfortable with high standard of equipment. It is in a heavenly location and Bantham Beach and coastal path walks are as good as any in Europe.
Local pubs and village shop are also excellent.

June 2017

Wonderful cottage with a huge garden with views over open countryside. Summer house a nice addition this would benefit from some TLC . Cottage was well equipped and homely. Everything you need and all equipment was good quality. Good wifi but no mobile signal but hey your're on holiday! Bigger than pictures portray and it has been updated/decorated. 10 -15 mins walk to beach and the Sloop Inn pub. Narrow lanes surround this cottage so you need to be careful and considerate! Fabulous coastal walks close by which are a good way to avoid the lanes! We had a fabulous, relaxing holiday and we would recommend this cottage to anyone wanting a tranquil location with plenty of places nearby to visit.

June 2017

Great weather overode the minor niggles listed. Our 2nd stay in two months but would never return as cottage really tired!
Tony Hough Salisbury

Thanks for your comments which are being looked at and sorry you won't be returning. We're a little surprised at your overall impression as most guests seem very happy with the property. Glad you had a good holiday though despite the minor niggles.

- The Toad Hall Team

May 2017

Comfortable, happy stay as before.
Thank you

April 2017

Cooker hob front plate not fully operational-unable to adjust radiator in main bedroom - too hot. Otherwise lovely cottage, great garden and look forward to our return in June

Thank you for pointing out those two problems, we'll get on them straight away. Glad you had an enjoyable stay and we look forward to seeing you again in June! The Toad Hall team.

- The Toad Hall Team

October 2014

Lovely property set in beautiful gardens,very comfortable home ,had everything we needed for a weeks stay.Weather was fantastic and leo our lhasa Apso dog loved his walks on the beach at Bantham.The Sloop inn, a short walk away as good food,and is dog friendly.I was looking forward to relaxing in the jacuzzi bath,but unfortunately it did not work,despite this we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend this property.

September 2013

We absolutely adore the property and area and have stay there four times over the past two years. Excellent views and location look forward to going again next year.
Would like to suggest an update with the TV facilities as the weather was unreliable on the last visit. Suggest a new recording facility and DVD.

The Sloop Inn
(Less than a mile)

This historic pub, full of period features in the pretty village of Bantham, is a great spot to enjoy well-cooked classic meals or a pint after a day spent on the beach or walking the South West Coast Path. Menu’s change on a daily basis and children and dogs are welcome.

We had excellent service and a lovely meal for 8 on New Years Eve. All the food arrived at the same time and hot! Everyone enjoyed their food and service was with a smile and efficient. Recommend.

January 2019

Had a fantastic meal here - great pub grub with a brilliant atmosphere!

November 2018

Great local pub, with excellent food and pleasant staff. The added bonus of being dog friendly was great too. A great selection of local and national ales and ciders.
Thank you, for a great stay, and food.

October 2018

Wonderful local pub. Great food, ales and ambiance- perfect.

October 2018

We loved this pub, and they do a great takeaway too!

July 2018

Very friendly pub with good food, large dining room and tables outside in a neat little yard. Dog friendly. Grea location and would certainly go back

July 2018

Excellent pub, lovely food, great atmosphere and very welcoming - even to our large noisy group - had a great evening here. Dogs welcomed too !

November 2017

Beautiful pub inside and out -clever blend of old and new decor and furnishings without being too rustic. Very welcoming and polite staff and great food. Car parking to rear. Best place on our Devon week. Will definitely return. Thank you.

Lovely pub, the restaurant has been recently refurbished and has a lovely modern feel. Both the food and service were excellent.

June 2017

Good menu and food though the pub is a bit tatty, however, they are doing a refurbishment in May so this might improve it.

May 2017

We have been going to the Sloop for many years and enjoyed the food. However, this year..on Easter Monday...having booked a table for 9 people at 6.30pm...we tried to order food and almost everything was sold out. This was extremely disappointing and rather spoilt our stay. We left and went to a nearby restaurant which wss very pleasant and had almost everything on the menu. We were told that the Sloop had been busier than usual and had been unable to get further supplies due to the holiday. This has been the same situation for the last 15 yrs we have been going there and we havent had this problem before. Very disappointing.

April 2017

First rate sandwiches, very good and friendly service.

April 2017

Obviously a decent 'local' with good beer, a reasonable menu (with a small choice for vegetarians) and obliging staff - once you can get to the bar past the rather loud, clustered regulars ... It was a shame that the only vegetarian starter was 'off' when we visited, but in retrospect we ate very well and would probably have regretted it anyway. The food we received was very good - no complaints at all.

April 2017

Back to the Sloop for burgers. Good portions, nicely presented. Great value. Always a good atmostphere and they are renovating the restaurant so should be even better.

April 2017

A wonderful Sunday lunch - all it should be, in a relaxed and untarted-up - honest pub.

March 2017

Brilliant pub. Love the village so much and spent every night in here during our stay. Great pub food, dogs welcome and a cosy fire. Want to come back now please!!!

December 2016

The Village Inn
(Less than a mile)

A popular 16th century inn complete with beams salvaged from Spanish Armada ships wrecked nearby and today enjoying stylish modern décor and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere . Plenty of comfortable seating areas inside and out, along with a menu offering freshly prepared meals and daily specials. Children and dogs welcome.

We have visited over the past three years and on each occasion the Village Inn service and meals has been top notch. Keep it up.

May 2019

Lovely local dog friendly village pub which also will provide takeaway of their meals.

May 2019

Great food, friendly service

April 2019

Great food, particularly the gluten free choc brownies, they were unforgettable, the lounge is a lovely room.

April 2019

Great, atmospheric pub. We visited twice - with 10 then 6 people - and had consistently good service and food. Sunday roast was very generous portions and the a la carte during the week was excellent. Welcomed children but it wasn’t overrun with them.

April 2019

Good reception, great food and good atmosphere

December 2018

Had a lovely meal here. Fresh local fish and venison were beautiful. Menu quite limited and more expensive than other local pubs we tried but couldn’t fault the quality of the food.

November 2018

yes we have visited and received excellent service and food

October 2018

We hadn’t booked but were lucky to get a table in the bar. Very nice atmosphere and attractive surroundings. Staff are very pleasant and attentive. Varied menu with some specials. My husband had loin of lamb and I had whole plaice, both with fresh vegetables and both delicious. I would definitely go back.

September 2018

Refurbished since we were last in Thurlestone and a great improvement. Much more space (airconditioning in the back lounge!!). Food and service were very good and reasonably priced.

July 2018

Food, location and ambience all really good but I fear business may be a little too easy, as most of the male bar staff were indifferent, at best. Even asking bluntly for a tip as we were at the bar looking at our bill! Staff were certainly not rude but need to be more personable.

July 2018

Excellent service and food and very busy in good weather. Loads of free parking and some outside seating

July 2018

We had booked the family of 10 in for an early evening meal but found ourselves by the television screen, as it had been assumed we were a group of football supporters keen to see the World Cup match! However, once the mistake had been realised, we were given a big table elsewhere and enjoyed good food and service in pleasant surroundings.

July 2018

Visited several times during our stay, and ate there twice. Friendly staff and good food.

June 2018

Great food and reasonably priced. Seating outside with dogs is a bit small and right next to road.

June 2018

Friendly staff, lovely food and drinks.

June 2018

Excellent meal with friends

May 2018

We ate there once and enjoyed a nice meal. Fish and Chip evening is Fridays (cheaper!).

May 2018

Great Sunday lunch for a large group all were welcomed including our dogs, food was great, service was good & good value too

November 2017

This is a great pub. Good food, good selection of beers and drinks and very dog friendly. Tuesday is quiz night so there is a special discounted menu. Booking recommended.

September 2017

We booked a table for five on a Thursday evening, and had a wonderful meal, with friendly helpful staff and delicious food. Great emphasis on fish (the sea bass was much approved of) but the soup was very good, the venison stew was rich and flavoursome, and the blackberry and apple crumble and brownie were also very tasty. The loos are a treat too!

September 2017

We have visited Thurlestone many times staying also at the hotel which is excellent. However, the Pub has lost its way somewhere, the food this year in May we found not up to the previous high standard. Its basic 'pub grub' the staff certainly could do with training. Ok for a drink, but to eat, no keen, prefer the HOTEL

September 2017

Good pub atmosphere, and excellent decor, good food but over priced and service slow

August 2017

Great pub, excellent service and food, we will be back as soon as possible!

July 2017

Food was good but service was rushed

July 2017

A very nice meal at quite a reasonable price. Really helpful to be able to take the dog in.....!

July 2017

Incredible pub. The food is outstanding with a newly earned rosette. The staff were really friendly and a great atmosphere. Would 100% recommend it for families and romantic couples!!

July 2017

Quintessential pub! As a 3-generational family on holiday, we had a lot of fun here each evening. The pub is fine for families (childrens menu etc), but there isn't any outside space suitable for families.

June 2017

This was a very dissappointing experience the staff require some good professional training and food is poor quality.

June 2017

Excellent service provided by happy efficient staff. The food was super

May 2017

Visited twice, lovely meals both times, friendly staff and good that we could take our dog with us.

May 2017

Great pub, gets busy so I'd advise booking a table if you want to eat and their Sunday lunches are great.

May 2017

Lovely pub, good food.

January 2017

we've been coming to thurlestone for years and loved the new look pub this summer. The renovation is really nice and we had a great meal on our last night

December 2016

The Trevilder Restaurant, Thurlestone Hotel
(Less than a mile)

A fine dining restaurant open daily to non-residents of the hotel for lunch and dinner, offering menu’s using the finest local produce accompanied by an extensive wine list. Complementing the high quality cuisine are the breath taking views over Thurlestone Sands and out to sea.

Pretty Local - Thurlestone
(Less than a mile)

Like an online supermarket only better, Pretty Local supplies boxes of delicous local produce direct to your South Hams holiday home. Discover the fantastic food products that West Country has to offer including fresh fish & seafood, high quality meat, organic veg, cakes, treats and lots more all brought together on one website, order by midnight the Wednesday before you arrive or during your stay for delivery Friday or Saturday.

We used Pretty Local during our stay in Hope Cove after finding their details on the Toad Hall Cottages website. Andrea couldn’t have been more helpful in arranging our order & we arrived at our cottage to a fridge full of delicious local produce. Everything was locally sourced & was delicious, without any unnecessary packaging. The meat was particularly amazing! Would highly recommend using this fabulous service-we’ll be using them again next time we visit the area.

November 2018

Rock Pool Bistro
(Less than a mile)

The Rock Pool bistro at the Thurlestone Hotel offers an excellent yet relaxed dining experience and delicious menu full of quality crowd pleasers including fresh local seafood, burgers and stone baked pizzas. Enjoy stunning views across the bay in total comfort whilst sipping a cocktail or cracking open a crab.

Bantham Surfing Academy
(Less than a mile)

Operating from the car park at postcard perfect surfer’s paradise Bantham Beach, Bantham Surfing Academy is run by experienced SurfingGB qualified instructors who offer tuition and coaching for all levels, including beginners, as well as supervised surfing sessions and a Kids Club. In addition to surfing lessons, the team offer Stand Up Paddle Boarding lessons, hire and tours around Burgh Island and the River Avon, and lifeguard and surf instructor tuition and qualifications.

The Voyage Spa
(Less than a mile)

Indulge in a spot of pampering at The Voyage Spa in Thurlestone's iconic hotel. Having recently gone under a complete refurbishment, this beautiful spa combines luxurious modern facilities with a boutique touches to celebrate the regions nautical past. There are three beauty rooms offering a range of treatments as well as a pool, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, fitness studio, steam room and a laconium.

Thurlestone Golf Club
(Less than a mile)

On the coast with spectacular views of the sea, Thurlestone Golf Club can be seen from the beach and is fortunate enough to be on a beautiful section of the South West Coast Path. The 18-hole course is a mix of links and cliff top terrain and aims to cater to all ages and abilities with a variety of tees. All visitors are welcome and will be pleased to know that there are two bars on site as well as a separate dining room. Green fees vary according to the season but start at £36 per person in the low season. As with most golf courses, there is a dress code so golf shoes must be worn and denim isn’t allowed, but a full list or restrictions are listed on their main website.

Bigbury Golf Club
(Less than a mile)

A friendly cliff top golf course close to Kingsbridge, Bigbury Golf Club is a links course with spectacular views of the South Devon coast. It is an 18-hole course where you can play as an individual or as part of a group. It’s 6,035 yards for men, 5,544 for ladies and par is 70 and 73 respectively. There’s a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, but remember that dress should be smart/casual at all times, and in the clubhouse they ask that you don’t wear golf shoes, hats, untailored shorts, general beach wear, collarless tee shirts and non-golf sportswear like tracksuits and rugby shirts. The club offers rates for groups of 6-14 and society golf days for numbers over 14. Green fees are seasonal and depend on the time of day that you’re visiting so keep an eye on the website for full details.

Discovery Surf School
(2 miles)

Based at Bigbury-on-Sea and Challaborough Bay, Discovery Surf is a fun, friendly and professional environment where the team always have a smile and a word of encouragement to go with their expert tuition. Providing the opportunity to quite literally interact with South Devon’s primary asset - the environment - they offer lessons, courses and equipment hire, as well as Stand Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking.

Excellent lesson in tough conditions on a windy down a Bigbury, really clear instruction, great place to srat and get in to surfing

December 2016

Had a great lesson with Discovery Surf. Two hours on the Sedgewell side of Bigbury Beach. All equipment provided, the guys really knew their stuff and we were on our feet in no time. Such a buzz, definitely recommend trying it out if you've not surfed before or want to build up your confidence in the sea.

December 2016

Leas Foot Sands
(Less than a mile)

A small sandy beach belonging to Thurlestone Golf Club, those who have been on regular Devon weekend breaks and holidays will have seen this beach change somewhat in recent years thanks to storm damage, but the evolving landscape merely adds to its charm. A 200-metre walk down a paved path from the golf club and its car park and you find yourself heading down a gentle slope onto the sand, with the option of enjoying the beach in its own right or walking along the coast in either direction towards Bantham or South Milton Sands. Dogs are allowed here at any time, which of course adds to the appeal for walkers, and if you fancy stopping somewhere for lunch then Thurlestone village nearby is home to a charming pub that’s cryptically named The Village Inn, which is suitable for the whole family and wonderfully cosy in the winter months. Alternatively head to the Beachhouse café at South Milton for lunches and evenings meals with a view of the sunset, or cups of tea and brownies from the Gastrobus at Bantham. It is one of the area’s quieter beaches, often acting as a place to wander past rather than one to spend the whole day on, but given its easy access and the proximity of the car park, and the golf club, it’s a delightful little spot in which to while away the afternoon.

Great quiet beach with wonderful coastal walk alongside gold course round to Bantham. Parked free in field adjacent to golf club, although we understand they will be charging for parking soon. Only downside was that the public toilets were closed - we went October 2018.

November 2018

This is possibly the best beach in the whole of England

July 2017

A very nice beach with quite a lot of sand at times. So easy to access, even managed to get both (octogenarian) parents to it and my mother in the sea for a paddle!

July 2017

South Milton Sands
(2 miles)

A long stretch of sand broken only by the South Milton Ley freshwater reed bed, South Milton Sands is a dramatic beach that’s exposed to the elements, making it something of a chameleon throughout the year. Rugged in its beauty, there’s nothing quite like watching the sun set at this beach behind an iconic rock archway in the water; it really is spectacular, particularly if you do so over dinner in the summer months from The Beach Café, a small but perfectly formed restaurant and café that’s perched just above the sand. If you want a table inside then you really do have to book this one, but if the weather is fine then eating outside is a joy. The beach is sandy and popular on windy days with kite surfers and windsurfers, but in calmer weather is perfect for a summer swim. Dogs are welcome at South Milton throughout the year, there’s a National Trust car park by the beach which costs from £5 for the day, £3 after 4pm or is free for National Trust members. There are also toilets nearby. It’s also worth knowing that in the summer months lifeguards are in situ from 6th July until 8th September, keeping everyone safe in the sun, sea and sand. When the weather is less conducive to sitting and admiring the view, South Milton is perfectly placed for a stroll along the coast path either towards Hope Cove and around towards Salcombe if you fancy making a day of it, or in the opposite direction you can walk towards Bantham and Bigbury on Sea. It’s a wonderful place to explore and watch Devon’s wildlife in all its glory.

great beach only bad thing is its owned by the national trust and parking is £5.00 no matter how short or long you want to stay no option of paying by the hour

October 2018

A great beach but at £5 a day to visit (National Trust!) rather expensive. Variable rate better.

October 2018

Excellent beach, well maintained and dogs allowed all year round.
Great range of activities to enjoy from swimming, snorkelling, SUP, kite surfing, kayaking and scrambling when the tide is out.
Loved it and will return

June 2018

Amazin beach - especially when the tide goes out and all the rock pools come out to play!!! Shame about the coarse 'sand', but that can't be helped; just get some shingle shoes. If you want sand go to North Sands or Bantham!

Bigbury on Sea
(2 miles)

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has visited that Bigbury on Sea is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perfect for sand castles and rock pooling as well as tucking into lengthy summer picnics, it is an unusual beach to visit because the tide comes in from both sides. As a result, it is an endless source of fascination for children, not least for its sea tractor which provides transport from one end of the beach to the other in order to reach Burgh Island. Burgh Island is connected to mainland England by the beach alone, it’s home to the famous art deco Burgh Island Hotel which has hosted Agatha Christie and Noel Coward since its incarnation in 1929, and has even made an appearance in the TV adaptation of Christie’s Poirot. On a practical note there is on-site parking available close to the beach with daily charges from £3.50. Toilets and shower facilities with disabled access are also nearby, and lifeguards are present from May to September. The Venus café offers teas, coffees and other refreshments including the ice creams that are of such fundamental importance for a day at the beach. Meanwhile, dog lovers will be pleased to know that four legged friends are welcome at Bigbury on Sea, but restrictions apply from 1st May until 30th September. Ultimately, Bigbury on Sea is a supremely beautiful location and fun family day out with abundant wildlife to enjoy and coastal footpaths to explore as well, making it a wonderful destination to visit on holiday in Devon, no matter what time of the year it is.

Gorgeous beach - very large and areas suitable for dogs. Check tides before you go. Walk over to Burgh island is great. Good toilets and shop - very clean.

July 2018

Wonderful beach and great view of Burgh Island and the marvellous hotel.

July 2018

Perfect

June 2018

Spent a happy afternoon watching the sea.

May 2018

Perfect location. Excellent to walk across the tombolo and explore the island. Very safe for dogs. We visited on a very sunny day in April and were lucky to get a free parking spot right by the slipway. Views from the top are wonderful. Watching the waves meet from both directions is fascinating.

April 2018

Great beach for walking the dog - only part of the beach is restricted. Not overcrowded as we visited out of season and some lovely views in all directions.

September 2017

Lovely place. Child friendly with fantastic views. Only downside is the dogs that are allowed on. It can get very busy in high season and the dogs can be a pain if running loose especially if you have got little ones. We have got a dog so it's not because we aren't dog lovers!

July 2017

Rather run down and disappointing that visitors are made to feel rather unwanted with only a small section of the pub open to non-residents and the hotel off limits completely to non-residents. View from the top lovely, but I wouldn't drive miles and miles to visit. What attracted me was the parting of the sea and that was a lovely view

June 2017

Fantastic unique place with sea both sides of the beach when the tide is out and Burgh Island to walk to with a lovely old pub but inefficient service.

April 2017

Bantham Beach
(2 miles)

At the mouth of the Avon River, Bantham beach is easy to reach from Salcombe, Kingsbridge and our other favourite holiday home locations, as well as being a beautiful area to stay in its own right.
The beach looks out over Bigbury Bay and offers a wonderful view of Burgh Island, which is famous for its art deco hotel of the same name that has hosted Agatha Christie and Noel Coward amongst its illustrious guests an can reach by sea tractor.
Bantham beach has a popular reputation amongst both novice and advanced surfers, and as such there are lessons available from the Bantham Surfing Academy, which operates from the beach. They also offer other water sports including paddle boarding, and a day pottering up the Avon River on one of those when the tide is right, is a day well spent.
When the tide is out at Bantham the sandy beach reveals rock pools and great swathes of space so you can happily set up a picnic and stay there for the whole day. If the mood strikes, why not walk along the coast path towards Thurlestone around the corner, and South Milton Sands beyond that, particularly as it’s also a popular beach for dog owners? Just keep in mind that from 1st May until 30th September restrictions apply, so look out for signposts with more information.
If you’re spending the whole day on the beach it’s worth popping to the Gastrobus which is open seasonally in the car park, offering everything from freshly made baps to coffees, teas and cakes, or for a larger meal head the short walking distance to The Sloop Inn gastropub.
There is plenty of parking available by Bantham, with charges from £3.50 per day, so make sure you have change on you as it’s a bit tricky to find parking otherwise. There are toilets in the car park, and from May to October from 10am until 6pm there is also lifeguard cover on the beach. All in, Bantham has something to offer everyone throughout the year and is one of many beautiful locations to spend time while you’re in South Devon.

Challaborough Bay
(2 miles)

Close to Kingsbridge, Challaborough Bay is a sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that’s perfect for enjoying all the seaside activities nature can afford.
At low tide the beach is ideal for visiting families to build sandcastles and explore the rock pools, while the swells and shore breaks also attract surfers and bodyboarders. There are some beautiful walks along the coast path that surrounds it, heading towards Bigbury on Sea in particular.
Making it an ideal spot to spend the day, the beach has toilets, a café and a beach shop close by, although access is via steps and small paths so accessibility isn’t wheelchair friendly. There is a car park but it’s rather small, so it’s good to know that a 15-minute walk to Bigbury will see ample parking available – seasonal charges apply so remember to bring cash with you.
While four legged friends are welcome in the winter, they are not allowed on the beach between May and September, so do plan their walks with that in mind. It’s a lovely spot along the coast path to bring them to, you can even beach hop from one to the next!